Panic Anxiety Disorders - Rate Your Level Of Distress

Do you wonder sometimes if you're "normal" or if your anxiety and panicky feelings indicate a serious mental health problem you need help with?

Well, we all do. Sometimes we're just being a little self-absorbed but often we know there's a problem but we're just not sure how to identify it and get help.

So, to help you assess your current state of mental health, here are some questions you can rate yourself on to determine if you have a problem you need to address. Answer them truthfully and you'll know more about where you are on the health continuum.

ASK AND SCORE YOURSELF from 1 (a little) to 10 (a lot/constantly) ON THESE QUESTIONS:

How frequently do you experience anxiety?

How much does anxiety impact your life?

How often do you avoid doing things because they cause you to be anxious?

How often does anxiety affect your relationships?

How often do you experience extreme nervousness in social situations?

How often do you fear having a panic attack?

How often do you have panic attacks?

How often do you worry about things you can't control?

The lower your score, the less bothersome your symptoms are. If you have an overall high score, in the in the 65 - 80 range, start looking for assistance. You'll need to address your problems and start working to improve your mental health ASAP.

If you're in the mid or low-ranges, do some more research and try some different ways of dealing with your more annoying symptoms. Get a workbook and dig into your problems. Try self-hypnosis and guided meditatio
CDs or take up yoga or some other physical stress reliever.

You may also want to evaluate any physical symptoms you experience that are associated with anxiety and panic disorders. Here's a list of the most common experiences sufferers report.

RATE YOUR SYMPTOMS: from 0 (never) to 10 (constantly)

Racing heartbeats

Dizziness, feeling lightheaded

Stomach ache/pains

Difficulty Breathing

Sweating (for no obvious reason)

Trembling, shaking or tingling sensations

Again, score yourself and seek help if your score is higher than 45. You also want to be sure any physical diseases have been ruled out before assuming you're experiencing anxiety or panic. Your primary health care provider can help you assess your symptoms and suggest appropriate treatment.`